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October 24th, 2025This publication contains time-sensitive information directed to Club Executives and members and pertains to CFUW activities and events. Please send relevant pieces to ALL Club members. |
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In this Edition:
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In the lead up to the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we have added a folder to the CFUW Members Drive where CFUW Clubs can access social media content as well as template letters to send to elected officials. We will be adding to this folder as more content is produced.
Is your Club hosting an event for 16 Days? We'd love to highlight these activities on social media and in future CFUW National Club Action newsletters. Send information and any pictures from you event to Camila Taipe at advocacy@cfuw-fcfdu.ca |
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An exciting and influential international event coming up for women around the world is the 70th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) being held in New York City from March 9th to March 20th. CFUW has 20 delegate positions due to our special Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) status with the UN and you are invited to apply for a delegate position. Delegates self-fund their transportation, hotel and meals but there is no charge for the sessions themselves.
CSW70 sessions will be held at the UN and nearby buildings. CFUW delegates usually fly into New York City on the previous Saturday, (March 7th) to register in-person and pick up their Grounds Pass for entering the UN Building.
Most CFUW delegates stay for the first week but may stay for the second if they wish.
The priority theme, “Access to Justice for Women and Girls” will be the focus of sessions. The outcome statement of the deliberations by member states of the UN will be negotiated and published as Agreed Conclusions.
Before applying, please read this attached information sheet for more details. It has a link to the application form which must be submitted online by November 22, 2025. It will be helpful for you to read the infographic compiled from a survey of CFUW delegates in 2025.
Access the application form HERE |
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UNCSW70 Written Submission |
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Ahead of the 70th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in March 2026, CFUW has submitted the following written statement to UN Women based off this years theme.
The theme for CSW70 is:
Review theme: Women’s full and effective participation and decision making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls (agreed conclusions of the sixty-fifth session). |
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CFUW's Finance Committee is looking for new members! |
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Joining the finance committee offers a unique opportunity to provide input on financial reports and policies and guidance for the organization's long-term health and growth. Being a member of the committee you will have the chance to ensure accountability and enhance transparency while also expanding your experience in not for profit finances.
Whether you are a financial expert or simply want to contribute to good stewardship, your involvement can make a significant impact. This committee meets monthly and has a monthly time commitment of approximately 2-3 hours.
If you would like to learn more or are interested in joining, please reach out to the Chair, Susan Lane at vpfinance@cfuw.ca. |
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Register HERE
At the National Office, we have received several inquiries from CFUW Clubs regarding the archiving of Club materials, ranging from specific question regarding the classification of different archival materials, to wondering where to begin.
The CFUW Communication Committee has scheduled an Archivist Workshop for Monday November 3, 2025 at 2pm ET, where an archival expert will speak to the different questions Clubs have regarding the archiving of materials. We are hoping this workshop will be a jumping off point for Clubs to better understand archiving and the archiving process.
The Communications Committee is interested to know what specific questions your Club has around archiving. This will help us tailor the webinar and topics to hopefully be more specific in assisting Clubs in their archiving projects.
Register HERE |
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CFUW National Webinars and Trainings can also be accessed in the CFUW Member's Drive HERE |
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Hotel booking is now available for the 2026 CFUW AGM & Conference.
Book your group rate for CFUW AGM 2026 - If you wish to extend your stay in Montreal, the group rate extends before and after the schedule. See specifics below. Last Day to Book : Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Start Date: Friday, July 17, 2026
Conference registration will open early in the new year. |
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Draft Schedule for the 2026 Montreal AGM and Conference. Please note: this is a draft schedule and is subject to change, although arrival and departure dates will remain the same.
Monday, July 20th, 2026: Arrivals, Registration, First Timers Meet and Greet (PM). Tuesday, July 21st, 2026: Arrivals, Registration, Local Arrangements Committee (LAC) Tours/Excursions around Montreal (TBD). Full day trip and half day excursions will be available. Opening ceremonies dinner. Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026: Regional Meetings, AGM Session, Member Led Sessions. Thursday, July 23rd, 2026: Conference Keynotes & Speakers and Sessions. Hosted Dinner with LAC. Friday, July 24th, 2026: Policy Session, Closing Keynote. Check-Out and Departure (PM).
Please note: CFUW Sherbrooke will be planning post-AGM and Conference activities/events in the Eastern Townships region, South East of Montreal for all day Saturday, July 25th and returning delegates to the airport by 3 pm Sunday, July 26th - in time for late afternoon flights.
More information to follow as the 2026 CFUW AGM & Conference schedule is confirmed. |
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Check out the MMM September 29th notes on Recruitment—found in the Members Drive: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1GDnDz76ixR0O_uSSGrE1aYvpo36XDbJq
Upcoming: Monday October 27th 4-5:30 pm ET CFUW Awards and Projects-what works, how to plan Building on ideas from the Membership Award winning projects recently Register HERE
Monday November 24th 4-5:30 pm ET Alternative Leadership Models Highlighting CFUW club ideas and other volunteer groups—what are the ingredients for success?
Membership Grants for Promotional materials, new projects, and recurring projects—check out the special Grants Club Action Newsletter each Tuesday in October-November.
Deadline for our Membership grants is Wednesday, November 19 |
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We're calling on CFUW clubs to share what they're getting up to within their communities to share and promote on the CFUW National social media platforms!
Send information about what your Club is up-to, along with photos, to Elizabeth Malcolm at memberservices@cfuw-fcfdu.ca |
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Elizabeth Malcolm will be hosting biweekly (every two weeks) drop-in sessions for the CFUW Members Drive and CFUW Members Database. We cover topics such as: how to update Club Executive information, event calendar submissions, resources available in the Members Drive and so much more!
Register HERE
A recording of a previous Drop-In is available HERE |
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Have you checked out the new CFUW Event Calendar? It’s jam packed with CFUW Committee meetings, Club Events, and important dates from the National Office!
Clubs are encouraged to submit their events to the CFUW National Event Calendar through the CFUW Member Database. |
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CFUW Orillia Member Barb Jones Receives the Order of Orillia |
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Barb Jones has been awarded the Order of Orillia, an honour that recognizes volunteers who have dedicated a decade or more to enhancing and inspiring the community through outstanding service.
A member of CFUW Orillia for over 20 years, Barb served as Co-President from 2015 to 2017. During her leadership, she focused on strengthening member engagement and expanding scholarship opportunities for local high school graduates. She also introduced a “triumvirate” model for running monthly meetings, in which responsibilities were shared among members. This innovative approach has since been adopted by CFUW clubs across the country. Barb further raised the club’s profile by organizing a community event featuring science broadcaster Bob McDonald of Quirks & Quarks fame.
Most recently, Barb played a key role on the committee for CFUW Orillia’s 70th Anniversary, where she was instrumental in securing Margaret Atwood as guest speaker for the Gala.
Beyond CFUW, Barb is widely recognized as “an enthusiastic leader and mentor who strives to empower others and instill a sense of belonging.” She is a founding member of Third Age Learning Lakehead, developing a speakers’ series in partnership with Lakehead University to provide engaging educational opportunities for adult learners. She also participated in the “Ladies of the Lake” calendar fundraiser for the protection of Lake Simcoe.
Her fundraising efforts have further supported the Orillia Museum of Art & History, The Sharing Place Food Centre, and Hillcrest Lodge. |
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Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation - Consulting You About Canada’s Emerging Strategic Legislation |
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Canada stands at a turning point in history, as technology transforms every aspect of our lives and global forces reshape our future. This moment demands a renewal of thinking—a collective commitment to reimagining how we harness innovation, achieve our artificial intelligence (AI) ambition and secure our digital sovereignty.
On September 26, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, announced the launch of an AI Strategy Task Force and a 30-day national sprint that will help shape Canada’s approach to AI. Of the 27 members on this Task Force, nine are women.
Over the coming months, the government will set out a renewed AI strategy to position Canada at the forefront of this revolution. This work, and the collaboration of stakeholders from across sectors and of Canadians, are especially important to help meet this pivotal moment in history, where new technological capabilities are emerging alongside profound geopolitical shifts.
The government will seek advice on a broad range of AI-related themes, including:
One source of fresh thinking will be input gathered through the AI Strategy Task Force, a group of experts including members of industry, academia and civil society, who will consult their networks to provide actionable insights and recommendations. Canadians are also invited to share their perspectives through the Consulting Canadians portal.
To participate in the public consultation, open October 1-31, please use this link: |
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Practicing Self-Care in a Dire Moment |
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CFUW can be a place that is heavy with concerns about what is happening in the world and close to home. “What can we do? How can we keep moving forward to justice, safety for women and girls?” With divisive politics, people on all sides straining to make their point in social media and the news fraught with crises - Ukraine, Gaza, Yemen, Climate, human rights, affordability, healthcare… where can we turn for respite? CFUW Clubs are a haven for connection, creativity, conversation and action. Thank you for being there, for caring, and taking care of each other.
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This two-part Backgrounder supports GBV service providers in deepening their understanding of how IPV can affect survivors at work, and in supporting survivor safety, rights, and survivor-led choices in the context of employment. It offers practical ways to recognize how IPV shows up in the workplace and how to respond with trauma- and violence-informed and survivor-centered strategies.
This resource is a collaboration between the Learning Network and Respect at Work. |
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Register HERE
This workshop is a space where community members can learn how the city budget works and how we can have a say in where public money goes. Participatory budgeting is about people coming together to make decisions, share ideas, and push for fairer use of public funds.
This year, we will be guided by the Care Lens - a way of thinking about budgets that centers care for people, communities, and the planet. We will also draw on all the learning we’ve done together over the years using CAWI’s Equity and Inclusion Lens.
This year’s workshop will give Ottawa residents practical tools for reading the city budget, spotting gaps and inequities, and speaking up for what our communities need most. Together, we will focus on how budgets can better serve women, gender-diverse people, Black, Indigenous, racialized, low-income, newcomer, and communities with disabilities. |
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Register HERE
On October 25th, via ZOOM, we will explore the legislative process involving declaring Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic in Ontario. The event is free but please register to attend. |
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Register HERE
The Walrus Talks Ending Gender-Based Violence Reception Sponsored by Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health, Travel Sponsored by Uber Gender-based violence refers to harmful acts directed at individuals based on their gender. It disproportionately affects women, girls and gender diverse people, impacting over half of Canada’s population and costing lives.
Canada is at a critical turning point in how it responds to gender-based violence. The Walrus Talks Ending Gender-Based Violence brings together activists, advocates and experts to examine pressing policy gaps and cultural shifts that can reduce and prevent gender-based violence. This timely event will highlight lived experience, evidence-based solutions and the need for coordinated, cross-sector action.
Join us in Ottawa for this urgent discussion, part of YWCA Canada’s annual Rose Campaign and just ahead of the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence. Connect with fellow advocates, policymakers, and engaged Canadians as we work toward a future free from violence.
Speakers to be announced.
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Do you want your Club’s newsletter shared in the CFUW Club Action newsletter? Send your newsletter to Elizabeth Malcolm at memberservices@cfuw-fcfdu.ca |
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